Κοπιάστε!

For those who do not know, Greek “kopiaste” is the word Cypriots use to invite people to share their food with.
Wander in the beautiful villages of Cyprus and you are bound to get invited to share some of the delicious local specialities. Welcome to Cyprus!

Pafilia offers properties in varied areas including villages such as Anarita, Peyia, Tala, Argaka, Prodromi, etc. with prices starting from €96,000.

Property Developers in Cyprus – announces Taste of Cyprus – 25 October 2010 – Cyprus Property Developer

Idag startar Sverige veckan på Londa Hotell i Limassol och hela veckan kan vi kan få njuta av svensk mat på hotellets restaurang. En fotoutställning om svenskar på Cypern pågår och Katarina Fallholm underhåller med vacker sång.

Det är Svenska ambassaden, Svenska föreningen på Cypern och 1,6 miljonerklubben som tillsammans anordnar detta stora evenemang.  Invigningen är i kväll 26 oktober, hålls av ambassadören Ingemar Lindahl och Alexis Galanos som är borgmästare i Limassol.

Under onsdagen håller Karin Ehnbom-Palmquist som är styrelsemedlem i 1,6 miljonerklubben, ett föredrag om kvinnors hälsa och välbefinnande sedan får vi en presentation av Londas organiska spa program.

På fredag kväll blir det en gala middag då Katarina Fallholm underhåller och veckan avslutas med ett stort smörgåsbord på söndagen.

Vi i Pafos har våran sedvanliga månadsträff på lördag så efter allt detta kan det bli skönt att återgå till ett betydligt lugnare Cypriotiskt tempo.

Pafilia Property Developers in Cyprus – Reviews oldest wine in production – 23 September 2010 – Cyprus Property Developer.

Cyprus has the oldest wine in the world that is still in production, Commandaria or Commanderia .  It’s not one for purists and is really a fortified wine – excellent for cooking, but it has a long history going back supposedly around 4000 years, when Homer mentions a sweet wine produced in Cyprus.

It is made from the local Cyprus mavro and xinisteri grapes and its name derives from the Gran Commanderie, an area surrounding Kolossi Castle which can be found just west of Limassol.  The Castle was the Commanderia  or headquarters of the Knights Templars in the 12th Century. The wine was consumed locally, supposedly by the Knights and also exported to many European Royal Courts.  Legend has it that, during his Marriage with Berengaria, in the 12th century Richard the Lionheart pronounced Commandaria to be the “wine of the kings and the king of the wines”.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation has created a number of wine routes around Cyprus that enable you to make a day of it, sampling wines from numerous vineyards will touring villages throughout Cyprus, some around Pafos, Limassol and up into the Troodos.  Cyprus wine is gaining reputation and today there are many boutique wineries producing some excellent red, white and rose wines.

View from Amorosa Villas in Latchi

September is a very popular month for tourists and Cyprus property buyers alike (www.pafilia.com).  Families with children are often constrained by the school holidays, but others can enjoy the warmth of the September sun in Cyprus.  Many people prefer to avoid the hottest months, July and August, and come when the sea is at its warmest and where the heat is extremely pleasant.  There is loads to do and see and spas to relax in. 

In addition, it is a very good time to look at property in Cyprus, especially this year.  Prices are good, there is a wide choice of property available and the most important thing, buy from a reputable developer who will help you through the whole process.  At Pafilia, this is something we work very hard to achieve and would welcome the opportunity to prove it to you.  Cyprus is our home and we hope you enjoy every minute you spend here!

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, a place where there is so much to do, so many things to see.  It’s perfect for a short visit or for permanent living.  This weekend for example, Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is being performed at the Pafos Odeon – a small ancient amphitheatre in the heart of the archaeological park down in Kato Pafos by the castle.  This is also where the UNESCO listed mosaics can be found.  Just imagine sitting exactly where people sat hundreds of years ago, watching another live performance.  You do have to bring a cushion to sit on though as the ancient stones are not very comfortable to sit on.

Usually, at the odeon there is little in the way of scenery, maybe a doorway or steps to indicate that someone is coming on or off stage, or sometimes nothing at all.  At the same time, the actors are right next to the audience and it provides a very intimate and genuine atmosphere – this is how Shakespeare should be performed!

The play is brought to you by Midas Touch Productions and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men and will be held on 16,17 & 18^th September at 8.30pm.  Tickets are €18 per person and are available on line (thetempestcyprus@gmail.com or mapalex@cytanet.com.cy) or on the phone on 99861233

Här på Cypern börjar semestrarna ta slut men sommaren har varit fylld av aktiviteter som fortsätter ett tag till. Denna månad börjar med en 14 dagars fasta innan den stora helgdagen den 15 augusti som firas till minne av Maria, Jesus moders död. Därefter har vi festligheter som vin festivaler, uppträdanden av kända Grekiska artister, Sabaton, ett grammis-nominerat power metal band från Falun kommer för första gången till Cypern den 28e augusti, Armin Van Buuren från Holland som är en känd DJ kommer till Mackenzie Beach in Larnaca och höjdpunkten är Pafos Aphrodite Festival som bjuder på La Bohème av G.Puccini den 3,4,5 september. http://www.pafc.com.cy/ Operan är full av tragiska men också komiska ögonblick precis som i verkliga livet, och vi i Pafos får njuta av denna unika musik upplevelse under bar himmel i hamnen med fortet och havet som bakgrund.

This year's opera will be La Boheme

If you’ve got what it takes to be really creative and are a fully qualified graphic designer, then you may be the person Pafilia are looking for.  We need someone who believes their work stands up to the best in Europe, someone with graphic design experience who can use current graphic design software and ideally has some basic knowledge of html.  Excellent knowledge of English required.

The successful applicant will become a key part of the company’s marketing team working on a broad selection of materials.  There will be plenty of opportunities to be creative, as well as working within branding guidelines.

For more information, contact human.resources@pafilia.com.

Construction of the first phase of Elysia Park (www.pafilia.org) will be completed shortly, which will mark a new phase in Cyprus Property.  The development is Pafilia’s first integrated resort.  At the same time, it carries on our  tradition for creating beautifully landscaped communal areas that only get better with time. 

I have been working on Pafilia’s landscaping now for a number of years and 7,000m² is quite a lot of garden for one development.  It presented us with a challenge, to create varying areas of interest within a larger theme, as well as working at the same time as construction, which is not always easy.  At the same time it gave us an opportunity to create a large area that had a certain continuity, which is lacking in many of the surrounding areas.  Our designs came partially from the architects and partially from our own inspiration, from our travels and how we felt about the project.  We wanted to create spaces for different activities, for example lawn areas for children as a safe place to play where they can be kept an eye on by their parents from the swimming pool or balconies.  The lawns are also ideal for playing football generally, not just children.

Some of the landscaping at Elysia Park

We also wanted to ensure that we saved as much water as possible, so firstly, we used only indigenous plants, which only need irrigation for a maximum of 3 years and then only during the very hot periods.  Secondly, we decided to use a drop by drop irrigation system, which is totally automatic and would be set to water everything in the early hours of the morning (around 4am) to minimise evaporation and maximise water absorption by the plants.  We are also using recycled water from our sewerage treatment plant for the irrigation.

After planning everything, we started first with the green area, which is slightly away from the construction and so that it would be relatively mature for delivery of the project.  The hard landscaping, such as the stone feature walls and white marble floor tiles, were done by construction and were designed to be eye catching, as well as add to the luxury feel.

We decided to make a far denser planting plan around the boundaries to create a sense of privacy and isolation from the cares of the world.  At the same time, the boulevard running along the length of the project provided some structure.  With the overall planting plan, we wanted to create something in character with Cyprus, not just a standard Mediterranean environment and we used primarily plants from our own nursery in the Akamas, all of which were indigenous to Cyprus.  We added colour to give an uplifting feeling for people by using geraniums.  We also wanted to create a blend of different scents for both day and night.  We therefore used a mixture of different aromatic plants and varieties, such as thyme, mint, rosemary and lavender.  This also adds to the communal experience, encouraging residents to partake in the Mediterranean life, to use these herbs, as if they were their own personal gardens, for their cooking, or for making tea.  For night time, we added night blooming Jasmin, or Cestrum nocturnum, so that the aroma at night would recall of the magic of Oriental nights.

We hope you enjoy the landscaping at Elysia Park for many years to come!

Kataklysmos eller Flood Festival äger rum 50 dagar efter den ortodoxa påsken och firas i flera dagar.  Denna dag är också känd som den Helige Ande, och hyllar nedstigningen av den Helige Ande till apostlarna. I Cypern har firandet också anknytning till Gamla testamentets berättelse om Noaks Ark, och uråldriga ceremonier anordnas för att hedra Afrodite och Adonis.

Pafos harbour & castle

Alla kuststäder anordnar konserter och spel nära vattnet och på strandpromenaden hittar du massor av kiosker som säljer leksaker och traditionell mat. Det finns tävlingar i vattnet samt en tävling för chatista eller rimmade låtar på den cypriotiska dialekten. Vatten är ett nödvändigt tillbehör och invånarna, särskilt barn fyller ballonger och vattenpistoler med vatten för en bra “splash”. Så var redo att bli blöt vid Kataklysmos!

Semester tider nalkas även här, många byggen och kontor stänger igen helt under augusti månad och siestan blir längre och längre. För några år sedan kunde vi som bor här endast flyga reguljärt, man har suttit många timmar i Amsterdam, Prag och Wien. Sedan Cypern gick med i E.U år 2004 kan vi köpa enkla resor med de flesta charterbolagen till ett överkomligt pris.

A beach in Pafos (Paphos)

I år kommer Norwegian att ha direktflyg mellan Stockholm och Larnaca varje fredag och måndag  f.r.o.m. 28 juni t.o.m. 13 augusti.  Går man in och tittar på www.norwegian.se så finns en lågpris kalender med enkla biljetter från 399 kr. Min resa till Sverige i sommar kostade mig 2053 kr tur och retur sedan betalar man 90kr för varje kolli, max 20 kg vilket innebär att jag kan köpa 40kg till hemresan då jag oftast brukar ha övervikt, även runt midjan efter allt smågodis.

We believe Pafilia (www.pafilia.org) is transforming Cyprus property with our strategy of providing more upmarket projects that provide a wide range of facilities.  The completed luxury Amorosa Villas were part of this strategy, but now we are very happy to announce that our first full blown integrated resort, Elysia Park, is nearing completion.

Elysia Park photo taken in April

Just a few minutes from the see in Kato Pafos, it enjoys a great location with easy access, not just to the on-site facilities, but everything that Pafos or Paphos has to offer.

Elysia Park features apartments, penthouses and houses and the commercial plaza we will add will provide all the everyday needs of the residents while at the same time bringing a social atmosphere to the resort.  Facilities enjoyed by the residents will include a large spa and health club, with a huge indoor swimming pool and gym, two of the largest residents waterfall swimming pools in Cyprus, separate children’s swimming pools and playgrounds and a practice basketball court.  This will be complemented by our five star concierge services to ensure our owners can sit back and relax and let us do everything for them.

Pafilia is seeking to recruit property consultants to join its team in St Petersburg.  Reporting to the country manager, this position will include extensive travel in Russia.  We require a dynamic, self motivated Russian-speaking individual to negotiate and close Cyprus property sales.

If you would like to find out more, please go to

http://www.pafilia.com/PropertyConsultant_StPeter.php

Det här tror jag kan vara intressant för er. Tabellen nedan visar kursen under 1 år. Kissonerga Seaview C-201 kostar € 260.000 och enligt kursen idag betalar du 2.5 milj. kr jämfört med 2.9 milj. kr för ett år sedan.

Funderar ni på att köpa bostad på Cypern så är valutakursen till Svenskarnas fördel

Vill ni se vad Pafilia Property Developer har att erbjuda så ordnar vi visningsresor som är individuell, brukar vara på 4-5 dagar inklusive resdagar, kostar 2,900 kr/person. Har ni redan bokat charter till Cypern så ordnar vi övernattning i Pafos 1-2 nätter kostnadsfritt

Pafilia is seeking to recruit property consultants to join its dynamic team in Moscow.  Reporting to the country manager, this position is with a Global company and will include overseas travel.  We require a high calibre, self motivated Russian-speaking individual to develop and maximise Cyprus property sales.

 If you would like to find out more, please go to http://www.pafilia.com/PropertyConsultant_Moscow.php

Pafilia sells Cyprus property & Crete property and has an office in London.  The company has a job opening at our London office for an Account Executive to develop and maximise property sales and ensure commercial success in local and overseas markets.

We are seeking a self motivated and dynamic individual who will be responsible for promoting our diverse property portfolio and providing advice to clients on investment and property related issues.

 The successful applicant will be responsible for:

• Maintaining and developing relationships with existing customers
• Visiting potential customers for new business
• Negotiating the terms of an agreement & closing sales
• Gathering market & customer information;
• Representing the company at Property Exhibitions, Roadshows & other events
• Organising various events in conjunction with partners and internal Pafilia resources
• Negotiating variations in price, delivery and specifications with managers
• Advising on forthcoming product developments and discussing special promotions
• Reviewing own sales performance, aiming to meet or exceed targets
• Actively engaging in marketing activities that promote company products
• Feeding future buying trends back to employers
• Building a client base by contacting identified target audience
• Cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships with companies interested in actively becoming a Pafilia agent
• Acting as their trusted liaison, offering various participation solutions/options based upon the prospective client’s specific needs
• Daily monitoring of relevant information sources and reporting on key developments
• Proactively building networks of partners such as advertisers, marketing contacts and potential pointers
• Assisting with production of client proposals

The following knowledge & skills are required:

•  University degree (Property or Real Estate related would be a bonus)
• The applicants should have a good knowledge of various financial instruments
• Real Estate sales experience is a must, preferably international Real Estate Sales
• Excellent sales track record/Relationship management
• Prior experience in Financial institutions or Mortgage lenders will be considered as an added advantage
• Commitment to the highest standards of service delivery
• Excellent communication skills and networking ability
• Initiative and creativity when it comes to problem-solving
• Prior experience in a professional services firm an advantage
• Excellent knowledge of the English Language, both written and oral
• Excellent Computer Skills, MS Office, Internet & Outlook Express

For further information, or to apply please send your CV to human.resources@pafilia.com.

Pafilia sells Cyprus property & Crete property in Russia and has 2 offices there, one in Moscow and one in St Petersburg.  We have several job opportunities there.

 We are seeking a web developer to be based in our Moscow office to create and design the Pafilia Russian websites.

 The role will include:

• Designing & developing the Russian website to ensure good functionality & optimisation
• Designing, developing & integrating relational databases & their web interfaces
• integrating the SQL Server database with the company website
• Layout, aesthetics & usability of the website
• Design of web pages, including graphics, animation and functionality
• Developing web page infrastructure and application related to pages with more advanced graphics and features
• Assisting the Country Manager and IT Manager in the planning of overall company strategy regarding web development and search engine optimisation
• Monitoring web server and website technical performance

  We would like to hear from you.  If you are interested in finding out more, please go to:

 http://www.pafilia.com/WebDeveloper_Moscow.php

Nästa vecka 21,22,23 april hålls en blomster festival i Panagia Chrysopolitissa / Ayia Kyriaki då kyrkan blommar och konserter hålls varje kväll kl 18,00. Kyrkan byggdes på 13-talet över ruinerna av den största bysantinska kyrkan på ön. Kyrkan hade ursprungligen sju mittgångar men blev senare fem. Golvet i kyrkan var täckt med färgglada mosaik, av vilka några är fortfarande bevarade.

Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church in Paphos

Det var till denna plats som år 45 e.Kr apostel Paulus, Barnabas och Markus hamnade då de reste från Antiochia till Schlesien med båt till Cypern för att sprida Kristus budskap. Pafos var då huvudstaden och där gjorde de sin entréer genom många av stadens portar, av vilka tre finns än i dag.

I Pafos lyckats de omvandla den romerska guvenör som anammat den kristna tron, vilket gör Cypern till det första landet i världen som styrdes av en kristen. Trots denna viktiga framgång säger legenden att apostlarna haft svårigheter i Pafos. Man tror att Paulus var bunden och slagen vid en viss pelare som invånarna än i dag pekar ut nära ruinerna av den gotiska kyrkan och kallar St Paulus pelare.

En kort tid senare återvände Barnabas till Cypern igen tillsammans med Markus för en ny missionär rundtur på ön, vilket också inkluderade Pafos. Barnabas hamnade i Salamis, som hade den största hamnen på den tiden, där han tragiskt nog avrättades av judarna i staden.

Cyprus property aside, it is a must to visit Cyprus at Easter.  It is as big as Christmas here and can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you are Greek Orthodox or not.

It starts early with the traditional fasting for Easter – where we eat no meat or dairy, except special days when you are allowed fish.  Not everyone fasts, but quite a large number of us do.  Although there are naturally a large number of vegetarian dishes in Cypriot food, as well as the vast quantities of meat, during this period all the restaurants serve “nistisima” food as well as the usual menu.  There is even nistisima cheese.  So, if ever you go to Cyprus and would like vegetarian food, just ask for nistisima and make it clear that you don’t eat seafood as well.

The Easter decorations start to appear and on Saturday around 11pm the Easter mass starts in towns and villages all over Cyprus.  There’s never enough space in the church, so many of us stand outside with our Easter candles ready to be lit.  As the service finishes, candles are lit from a single flame which is then passed from one candle to the next.  Then the fireworks start.  We then rush home, trying to keep the candle alight all the way to burn a cross under the lintel of our front door for good luck (it doesn’t work if it’s not from the original flame).  At home we eat the traditional magiritsa soup, or egg lemon soup if you don’t like offal, and flaounes, special Easter cheese pastries.

On Easter Sunday its time to cook souvla on the barbecue with the whole family and eat and drink until there is no more space and then still eat more.  We also play a game a bit like conkers, with hard boiled eggs dyed red.

Monday, the eating and drinking continues with games and music in the villages.

Easter is very special in Cyprus and is not to be missed!  This year, Easter Sunday was 4^th April.

Nu på torsdag har vi helgdag och firar den Grekiska självständighetsdagen. Den 25 mars är en av de heligaste dagar för grekisk-ortodoxa kristna, bebådelsen av Theotokos. Detta är den dag som ärkeängeln Gabriel meddelade Maria att hon skulle bära ett barn. Det är också denna dag som markerar frihetskrigets början år 1821 efter 400 år av ockupation och förtryck av de ottomanska turkarna

Den grekiska flaggan och firandet av grekiska självständighetsdagen den 25 mars har inte förändrats sedan revolutionen mot det Osmanska riket 1821. Den vita krysset i övre vänstra hörnet som täcker fjärdedel av flaggan betyder den viktiga roll som den grekisk-ortodoxa kyrkan i bildandet av Greklands Nation. Den blå och vita ränder omväxlande representerar havet och den obarmhärtiga vågor i Egeiska havet. Enligt legenden uppstod skönhetens gudinna Afrodite från dessa vågor. Det finns nio ränderna representerar varje bokstav i det grekiska ordet för frihet, Eleftheria.

En ledig dag mitt I veckan är alltid välkommen och förhoppningsvis blir det lunch vid någon av de många fiskrestauranger i Pafos hamn eller kanske rent av ett första dopp i havet? Hörde att det var 18 grader i vattnet och det är väl inget för en dal kulla som har simmat i betydligt svalare sjöar i Dalarna,  om sommaren sköna…..

View of the sea taken yesterday

This Wednesday, 17^th March, Minthis Hills Golf Club held its annual St Patrick’s Day competition, sponsored by Pafilia (www.pafilia.org).  84 golfers took part from Minthis Hills and other clubs, more than ever before.  Good “craic” was had by all and the course was awash  with golfers dressed in green, as well as a few St Patrick’s Day party hats.

It may have been a very friendly and fun atmosphere, but competition was fierce.  A few stray balls may have occurred after the pause at the 10^th hole for refreshments.  We were very happy to sponsor this event and that everyone had such a good time..  Congratulations to the winners:

1^st Men            H. Austin & P. Williams

2^nd Men           R. Birkett & P. Skinner

 1^st Ladies         A. Aldridge & D. Hudson

2^nd Ladies        Lesley Jones & J. Jackson

St Patrick's Day golf tournament at Minthis Hills

Mixed              Linda Jones & G. Turton

We marked the start of our 2010 campaign in Ireland at the Burlington Hotel on Tuesday 9^th March.  His Excellency Sotos A. Liassides, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ireland opened the event, highlighting the ever closer ties between Cyprus and Ireland and the initiatives to be carried out in 2010.

Cyprus and Ireland have always had a close affinity.  With the announcement by Cyprus Airways of direct flights from Dublin in 2010, we believe that Cyprus will become even more popular, both as a holiday destination and for purchasing property.  To this end we have created tailored packages for our Irish clients, including 5 year guaranteed rentals and flexible financial terms.

Renowned for its quality and flexibility, Pafilia is pioneering tailored packages in Cyprus.  Rather than the traditional one solution fits all, we are focusing on delivering what the customer wants.  If the client is looking for investment, or a holiday home, then they may be interested in rental guarantees.  If they are looking to escape permanently to the Cyprus lifestyle then a better solution may be one of our furniture packs, flexible finance terms or one of our other options.  They may prefer a ready, or an off-plan property.  Whichever they choose, we will tailor a specific package for them.

2010 Launch in Ireland with His Excellency Sotos A. Liassides, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ireland

Η Pafilia γιόρτασε την Παγκόσμια Ημέρα της Γυναίκας προσφέροντας σε όλο το γυναικείο προσωπικό της ένα κόκκινο τριαντάφυλλο.  Σχεδόν 100 γυναίκες υπάλληλοι της εταιρείας, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της Εκτελεστικής Διευθύντριας κας Ευαγγελίας Ηλιάδου, μαζεύτηκαν στα κεντρικά γραφεία της εταιρείας στην Πάφο για να γιορτάσουν αυτή την σημαντική ημέρα.

Σύμφωνα με την κα Ευαγγελία Ηλιάδου,  «με τόσες πολλές γυναίκες υπαλλήλους εδώ στην Pafilia, είναι φανερό ότι οι γυναίκες διαδραματίζουν τώρα και θα συνεχίζουν να διαδραματίζουν στο μέλλον ένα σημαντικό ρόλο.  Είμαι περήφανη που υπάρχουν τόσες πολλές γυναίκες τόσο σε ανώτερες όσο και σε διευθυντικές θέσεις και που η φωνή μας ακούγεται.  Αντιπροσωπεύοντας 15 διαφορετικές εθνικότητες, ενισχύουμε τον Διεθνή χαρακτήρα της Pafilia.  Πιστεύω ότι συμπληρώνει τόσο τη πολυδιάστατη φύση της εταιρείας όσο και το ήθος της οικογένειας μας, ενώ προσθέτει στην επιθυμία μας να προσφέρουμε την καλύτερη εξυπηρέτηση πελατών».

Τα γραφεία της Pafilia στη Ρωσσία και Ουκρανία γιόρτασαν την Παγκόσμια Ημέρα της Γυναίκας παραμένοντας κλειστά, ενώ στα υπόλοιπα από τα 20 γραφεία στο εξωτερικό γιόρτασαν με παρόμοιο τρόπο όπως και στην Κύπρο.

Ο εορτασμός αυτός, είναι σε συνέχεια της ξεχωριστής ημέρας Ευαισθητοποίησης για τον Καρκίνο του Μαστού, η οποία διοργανώθηκε πέρσι για τις γυναίκες υπαλλήλους της εταιρείας.  Η εκδήλωση επικεντρώθηκε στην παρουσίαση της Υπηρεσίας Sunflower με σειρά σεμιναρίων στα ελληνικά και αγγλικά από τον Δρ. Δημήτρη Χαραλαμπίδη, γενικό χειρούργο στην κλινική Ίασις.  Πέραν των 50 γυναικών, διαφόρων ηλικιών και εθνικοτήτων συμμετείχαν στα σεμινάρια και πολλές από αυτές εντάχθηκαν στην Υπηρεσία Sunflower.

Οι δύο πιο πάνω δραστηριότητες αποτελούν μέρος του  προγράμματος Εταιρικής Κοινωνικής Ευθύνης της Pafilia.

Pafilia Property Developers celebrated International Womens Day today by giving each of its female employees a hand delivered single red rose.  Almost 100 female employees, including executive director Evangelia Eliadou, gathered together at the company’s head office in Pafos, Cyprus to mark this important day.

According to Evangelia Eliadou, “With so many female employees here at Pafilia, women obviously play an important role both now and in the future.  I feel proud that we have so many in senior and managerial roles and that our voice is heard.  Representing at least 15 different nationalities, we embody the International character of Pafilia.  I believe that it complements both the Global nature of our business and our family ethos, while adding to our desire to provide the best in customer service.”

Pafilia’s Russian and Ukrainian offices celebrated International Womens Day as an official Bank Holiday, with many of the company’s 20 offices around the globe replicating the activities in Cyprus. 

This follows on from the special Breast Cancer Awareness day Pafilia hosted at the end of last year for its female employees.  The main focus of the event, as well as introducing the Sunflower service, was a series of seminars in Greek and then English, by Dr Demetris Charalambides, general surgeon at the Iasis Hospital.  Over 50 women attended the seminars of varying ages and nationalities and many have signed up for the Sunflower service. 

Together, these form just a small part of the company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility Programme.

Some of Pafilia's female employees celebrating International Women's Day

Läste att första färskpotatisen I Sverige kostar 755 kronor kilot. Pafilia kontoret där jag arbetar ligger vägg i vägg med frukt och grönsaks marknaden och deras varor är alltid dagsfärska och en ren njutning att beskåda. Stora knippen med persilja och dill för 3 kr, gurka och tomater för 7 kr kilot och färsk potatis för 8 kr kilot och det bästa av all är jordgubbarna som är nyplockade och varma av solen. Det känns lite mysigt att gå runt bland alla varor och man får alltid en kasse apelsiner eller citroner med på köpet. Nu bär det av till slaktaren sedan hem och lägga vinet på kylning till jordgubbarna. Ha en trevlig helg

Frukt och grönsaks marknaden

Första dagen av fastan som i år firades den 15 februari är en dag av lek, skratt och vegetarisk pick-nick. Gröna måndagen eller Kathara deftera som betyder ren måndag på grekiska följs av en femtio dagars fasteperiod då de kristna inte äter kött eller mejeriprodukter. Många aktiviteter pågår denna dag som Traditionella danser, tävlingar och drak-flygning. Själv åkte jag och min härliga stora familj på 35 personer (ni har väl sett My Big greek fat wedding?) till en by som heter Agios Ioannis. Jag blev helt betagen av alla mandelträd som blommar för fullt just nu. Aldrig under mina 22 år på Cypern har jag sett något liknande, jag kände mig som jag befann mig i edens lustgård.

Det tar ca 40 min att åka dit från Pafos till Ayios Ioannis Om ni vill uppleva detta så åker ni mot Anarita och svänger vänster mot Troodos bergen efter vatten reservoaren.  3 km från Highway tar ni vänster mot Salamio Monasteri. Ni passerar Choletria, mot Stavrokonnou, kör igenom Kelokedera som är en mysig by även den full av blomstrande träd, traditionella Cypern hus och en åsne farm Villni vidare så fortsätt till Ayia Salamiou. Där finns ett monasteri och tavernor som kanske har öppet för lunch. Mitt i byn finns en skylt till vänster mot Agios Iannis och vägen dit är slingrig men det är värt besväret.

Landskap

View from Amorosa Villas in Latchi

If you are in Co. Tipperary in Ireland and would like to find out more about Cyprus Property, www.pafilia.org has the latest news.  Pafilia Property Developers would welcome the opportunity to discuss how Cyprus could become your new home at the Anner Hotel in Thurles on the following dates:

-          Thursday 18 February between 1pm & 8pm

-          Friday 19 February between 12noon & 8pm

To arrange an appointment, contact Suzanne Brady on 087 9270832, or email info.ireland@pafilia.com.

Suzanne has a wealth of experience in investing in property in Cyprus and can provide you with good, informed recommendations on the best option for you.  From properties with guaranteed rentals, or other packages tailored to suit your needs.  Cyprus after all is still rated as one of the best places in the world for permanent living and has a great many advantages, not least of which is its status as a tax haven, as mentioned in a recent Telegraph article http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/offshorefinance/7197211/Offshore-tax-havens-Cyprus.html.

Första dagen av fastan är en dag av lek, skratt och vegetarisk pick-nick. Gröna måndagen eller Kathara deftera som betyder ren måndag på grekiska följs av en femtio dagars fasteperiod då de kristna inte äter kött eller mejeriprodukter. Många aktiviteter pågår denna dag som Traditionella danser, mat, tävlingar och drak-flygning. Aktiviteterna hålls vid Faros Bech nära lighthouse och startar kl 12.00.

Karnevalen är en 10-dagars period med nöjen och mat som startar 50 dagar före fastan, innan Påsken. Första veckan kallas ”Kött veckan” då man tillåts äta kött och under andra veckan som kallas ”Ost veckan” tillåts man bara äta ost och mejeriprodukter. Karnivalens festligheter inleds torsdagen i köttveckan d.v.s. 04 febr med ”Karneval – kungens” intåg i staden kl 17.00 utanför Town Hall, därefter blir det Karnival fest kl 18.00 på Pervolas parkering med musik, dans, mat, dryck, och fyrverkerier.

Den stora maskerad paraden är på lördagen den 13 februari kl 15,00 utanför Town Hall, sedan blir det en konsert med gruppen ”Goin Through Family”.

Här på Cypern har vintern varit helt fantastik i år. Jag och min väninna gör sköna långpromenader med start från hennes Cypern hus och har havet alldeles intill oss. Dessa varma vinter dagar kallar Cyprioterna för Alkionides dagar. Enligt grekisk mytologi var Aoelos dotter Alkioni väldigt förälskad i Ceyx och skröt om sin ömhet. De hävdade att deras kärlek var starkare än den mellan Zeus och hans maka Hera. I vredesmod förvandlade Hera Alkioni och Ceyx till sjöfåglar och Alkioni dömdes att för evigt få lägga sina ägg på de ogästvänliga och karga strandklipporna endast en gång om året, under den mest vindpinade månaden – januari. Hennes far Aeolos som också var vindarnas gud tyckte synd om sin dotter, och för att lindra hennes olycka, beordrade han vindarna att bedarra under 10 dagar, så att hon kunde lägga sina ägg utom fara.

 Härligt väder har vi på vår promenad som den första biten bakom Kunga gravarna är lite smal och knagglig men redan efter 20 min finns en mindre väg och vi kan njuta av mjukt underlag och den sköna havsbrisen. Det är lite backigt på vissa ställen men eftersom vi båda är vana att promenera tycker vi att det är skönt att få ta i lite extra ibland. Blir man trött så finns det ju bänkar utsatta lite överallt. Vi passerar hotell, lägenhets komplex och privata hus där det även finns asfalterade gång- banor. Det är många som är ute och går eller bara njuter av solen. Vi vänder efter ca 6 km och när vi avslutat vår promenad har vi gått 16,000 steg, 12,3 km på 2 tim och 15 min. Nästa söndag går vi åt andra hållet…

Alkionides dagar kallar Cyprioterna

Click here (www.pafiliarentals.com) for a chance to win

 You may not be aware, but unusually this year Valentine’s in Cyprus falls on the same long weekend that the carnival culminates and the traditional Green Monday takes place.  To celebrate this, Pafilia Rentals is offering a very romantic prize of 3 night’s at a luxury penthouse apartment near Paphos with a stunning seaview, a ride to and from the restaurant in a stretch limousine serving champagne (provided by Jack & Sons Transport Services) and a dinner for two at La Spaghetteria Italian Trattoria.

Don’t miss the opportunity to win.  All you need to do is go to www.pafiliarentals.com before 10th February 2010 and click on the Valentine’s day competition banner and follow the instructions, mentioning “Secret Valentine Competition”.

So what is happening that weekend?  On Saturday the 13^th, there will be a parade in Paphos, a number of costumed carnival parties and at lunchtime on the 14^th there is a Grand Carnival Parade in Limassol.  Monday 15^th February is Green Monday, the start of Lent.  It is when Cypriot families gather in fields around the country, barbecue seafood and eat vegetables (no meat, or dairy), drink Cypriot wine and wander from group to group chatting, sharing food and flying kites.

For this occasion, Pafilia Rentals has put together special accommodation packages, starting at €.282 for 3 nights in a 2 bedroom apartment and a romantic Valentine’s dinner at La Spaghetteria to €538 for the same package in a beachfront luxury 3 bedroom villa. 

Good luck!

WIN a romantic Valentine's weekend!

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has a great deal of potential for Pafilia Property Developers and its Cyprus properties, especially Minthis Hills, where its exquisite luxury villas and bungalows are very attractive to Saudi Arabians and expats.  Therefore, it made perfect sense to open up our first office in the Middle East, in Jeddah, KSA.

As a company, we have a strategy of establishing local offices in key geographies, enabling us to provide local support and knowledge in the local languages.  This now joins our Global network of offices, including London, Moscow, St Petersburg, Kiev, Dublin and Chania.  Leading these our activities in KSA is Kyriazi Anghelopoulos, who has been appointed as Saudi Arabia area manager.  He has an enormous amount of valuable experience in this region.  We will be working very closely together to ensure we achieve our vision for the area.

The occasion was inauguration ceremony where our partner in KSA, Sheikh Mohammed Bakhashwain, and I signed the contracts for the office.  This was followed by our first invitation only Pafilia seminar held at the Hilton, which was highly successful.

Cyprus is new to Saudi Arabians, but there are very strong reasons why we believe that we can provide expatriates and Saudi Arabians alike with what they desire; attractive holiday homes or investment property in an EU country which has a warm and pleasant climate, mountains, sea and so much more while being just a short flight away.  Cyprus and Saudi Arabia each have a rich cultural heritage going back to ancient times, while having all the advantages of a modern cosmopolitan society.

Another aspect in the attraction of Pafilia’s Cyprus properties is that the Government has announced that non-EU citizens investing a minimum of  €300,000 in property in Cyprus are highly likely to be granted an immigration permit, which is equivalent to a permanent residence permit.  There will no longer be a need for visas or renewal of residency permits for non-EU citizens and owners will gain almost the same rights as Cypriot citizens.

In addition, Cyprus is the perfect place to enjoy life to its full.  As well as its climate, Cyprus has a very relaxed lifestyle that removes the stress of everyday life.  The low crime rate and family oriented culture create a safe and secure environment where your children can play outside without worrying.  This is supplemented by an excellent education system, first class healthcare and state-of-the-art infrastructure.  Cyprus is also an International business centre, where there are Inward Investment initiatives and where you can set up a company easily.  It has low or zero taxation and bilateral tax treaties with a vast variety of countries, providing a gateway into the EU.

Pafilia opens an office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Pafilia isn’t just interested in property in Cyprus, it has designed and donated plants, trees, materials and expertise of around €10,000 for a Municipal Green area, near the harbour, for the people of Latchi.  We worked very closely with the Polis Chrysochous Municipality to complete this park area.

The Mayor of Polis Chrysochous, Angelos Odysseos, was very pleased with the end result and added, “I would like to thank Pafilia for creating this green area in Latchi.  As a company, it has invested significantly in the Polis Chrysochous area over the last few years, not just with the properties it has built, but also helping us with our many cultural and other activities.  This is very important for us as we have established a reputation for the area’s artistic, cultural and natural appeal and, with Pafilia’s support, we are aiming to improve this even more.”

As a company, we are developing a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and this announcement is part of this ongoing campaign.  We have already carried out several initiatives, including donating 200 car parking spaces to the people of Limassol and making a pledge to the UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign on World Environment Day.  

With an overall area of around 900m², the new Municipal park has a large lawn for families, with trees to create shading and river bed gravel that we  used for our high end Amorosa development near the Anassa Hotel in Latchi.  The plants utilised for the garden are all drought tolerant Mediterranean plants that require little water and are also resistant to damage by the sea air. 

The general manager of Pafilia Services, Doros Theodorou, whose landscaping team lead the project, explained, “The aim was to design a small attractive green area for both locals and visitors alike.  After we had completed the design, the Municipality worked very hard making to implement it.  We kept an eye on the work and helped out wiith any of the heavy earth moving and provided the plants and materials.  We hope the people of Latchi gain a lot of enjoyment from the park.”

Pafilia Services (www.pafiliarentals.com) is a sister company to Pafilia Property Developers, providing professional landscaping, gardening, maintenance, Cyprus property rentals,pool maintenance and numerous other services.

Pafilia show the Municipal green area to the Mayor of Polis Chrysochous

Pafilia recieving Best Golf award

Pafilia receiving Best Architecture award

Cyprus property has received a big boost with Pafilia winning 5 stars in two categories in the Europe & Africa Property Awards 2009. Our landmark Minthis Hills resort has been judged to be “Best Golf Development” and “Best Architecture (Multiple Units)” for its golf course properties. Minthis Hills has now been nominated for the International Property Awards as well, where the top scoring winners from around the globe compete to find the ultimate World’s Best in each category.

Obviously we are very pleased about this news and, according to Demetris Ashiotis, one of our executive directors, “Minthis Hills is a passion for us. It is an opportunity to move outside our comfort zone and take everything we do to new levels. We have had to pay attention to the smallest details and we believe it shows in the end result, what will be the ultimate address not just in Cyprus, but the Mediterranean. It is very satisfying to have this recognised and it demonstrates our ability to compete at the highest levels.”

Designed by Woods Bagot, the villas at Minthis Hills combine both traditional and modern elements to create a look and feel that has universal appeal. The properties and the resort as a whole have been designed to encapsulate barefoot luxury. They bring you close to nature with wide open spaces and at the same time offer real pampered luxury with 5 star services. By blurring the boundaries between inside and outside, the architecture is in tune with nature, while the whole design and finishes exude luxury. Traditional Cypriot mountain village elements, such local stone and wood and interior courtyards, are a core part of the design, while helping with energy efficiency by encouraging cross ventilation to provide natural cooling during Summer.

The European Property Awards are part of the renowned International Property Awards, which have been running for 15 years. Entries were assessed by a panel of professional, including Eric Pickles MP, chairman of the Conservative Party, Ben Wood, industry head property markets of Google UK; Peter Bolton King, group chief executive of the National Federation of Property Professionals; Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the National House Building Council; Christopher Hall, president elect of FIABCI; Wilhelm Harnish, Master Builders of Australia (MBA); Thijis Stoffer, International Consortium of Real Estate Agents Association (ICREA); Helen Shield, editor-in-chief of International Homes Luxury Collection magazine and Gillian Farr, head of design of Laura Ashley Home.

Some of you may not be aware, but Pafilia also has golf properties. Our landmark development, Minthis Hills, incorporates the 1st golf course to be built in Cyprus. Designed originally by Donald Steele, it was opened in 1994. Today it has a strong following of golfers who play there regularly and we are carrying out a continuous programme of enhancements. According to the golf architects carrying out these improvements, Ebert & Mackenzie, “these will reinforce the link between the golf course, the whole Minthis Hills Cyprus resort, the monastery and its long history.”

The landscape at Minthis Hills is beautiful and the “barefoot luxury” resort we are building there will be something very special. It is creating a huge wave of interest. Its stunning designs, combining modern with traditional Cypriot architecture, the wild location with huge expanses of space and beautiful views, are causing people to fall in love with Cyprus and Minthis Hills. They have already won a number of awards and the resort as a whole is touted to win again shortly.

Located in the rolling hills of Tsada village, between Pafos and Polis, Minthis Hills is a private retreat inspired by nature and breathtaking panoramic views. The exquisite homes, designed by world renowned architect Woods Bagot of Emirates Towers fame, are a modern expression of traditional Cypriot mountain living that blend into the natural contours of the land. Life at Minthis Hills offers complete escapism, but not isolation; unrivalled on-site facilities will include the 18 hole championship golf course, a spa, several restaurants and shops, with the thriving costal town of Pafos, where you can find virtually anything you desire, including fine dining and concerts only 15 minutes away. The aim is for Minthis Hills to offer the best of both worlds; a real escape, yet easy access to facilities, amenities and entertainment. In addition, Cyprus’ first class infrastructure, including state-of-the art medical care, its low crime rate and significant tax advantages make Minthis Hills the number one choice for permanent living and for investment in property.

Minthis Hills reflects ‘barefoot luxury’ as opposed to a conventional manicured development. Space is everything – the estate stretches across 5 million m2 (1,200 acres) and, with only 100,000m2 (24.7 acres) or 2% being built on; nature will be its residents’ closest neighbour.

The houses nestle comfortably into the natural contours of the hillside, minimising the impact on the rolling landscape. With plot sizes starting at around 800m2, each of the 600 homes will feature a view, whether that is of the sea, mountains, the golf course, or a combination of them all.

The golf course at Minthis Hills has a course length of 6,550 yards, making it easily walkable and is 550m above sea level ensuring its playability throughout the year. It has a full range of practice facilities, including a panoramic elevated driving range where you hit the ball out into open space. A large new clubhouse is currently under construction, which will form the heart of the community, providing bars, restaurants and five star services to residents, such as a full concierge service.

The resort derives its name from the 12th century monastery which stands in the centre of the golf course and which still to this day has a monk in residence. For those of you who love wine, vineyards will be planted so that owners can rent them and have their own personal label wine! Cheers or “στην υγειά μας!”

Beachfront property in Crete

Almyrida Seaview is Pafilia’s first project and first Crete property sale. Just 150m from a sandy beach, each property will have unobstructed views of Souda Bay and the White Mountains in North West Crete

Due to customer requests for properties in Crete, we have added Crete to our portfolio and will be launching further projects. It offers great potential for beachfront properties and Almyrida is no exception. It’s location, right by the beach, in a beautiful area, makes it an attractive proposition for those seeking investment, or a new life in the sun. There is easy access to hospitals, schools, amenities and various leisure pursuits, such as water skiing, jet skiing and golf.

Almyrida Seaview is a small intimate complex of six spacious residential units, comprising two 3 bedroom semi-detached (from 121m2 covered area) and four 2 bedroom terraced (from 94m2 covered area) houses. Set around an elevated communal pool, all the units have large verandas and have been designed both to optimise space and to use some traditional Cretan elements, such as decorative stone walls. All the properties feature high quality interior and exterior finishes, fittings and accessories as standard, such as marble staircases, “spatula” internal and grafiato external finishes. As with all Pafilia properties, great care will be taken to create beautifully landscaped communal areas that improve even further with age and enhance the architecture as well as blending with the local environment.

Part of the Cretan way of life is food and Almyrida Seaview is just literally a few minutes walk from delicious traditional fish tavernas on the beach and well within walking distance of the small fishing village of Almyrida, with its choice of restaurants, coffee houses, shops and bars, as well as water sports. It is just a 20 minute drive from Chania airport, where flights depart daily for European destinations.

We have opened an office in the area to ensure we provide local support throughout the sales process, delivery and afterwards, a process developed and refined over our 30 years experience in Cyprus.

Prices start at €355,000 for a two bedroom terraced house.

• the sea is a deep, deep blue today and the sun as usual is shining #
• tomorrow is a bank holiday in Cyprus – Independence Day #

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• looking forward to seeing the completed work on the course. still a few more weeks to go #

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• Interview went well. Being a golf architect sounds fascinating – combining landscaping & golf #

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• Interviewing our golf course architects for artcile – what should I be asking? #

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• Sun is shining, perfect for golf #

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Properties in the sun

It’s September and the sun is still shining in Cyprus.  The seas are warm and visibility is great for scuba diving.  Every night the sunset is amazing and it’s no wonder that September is very popular with people who prefer to avoid the heat of the August sun.

After the International opera, Lakmé, the South Africa show, Umoja, the Limassol wine festival and many other events, we are looking forward to a number of Greek concerts and the Portugese singer Dulce Pointes at the end of the month.

September is when all the evening classes start.  So, if you want to brush up on your salsa, tango, Tai Chi, pilates, yoga, Greek, French, pottery, art, or mosaic making, now is the time to sign up for it.  There are also numerous gyms that you can join at hotels, which have swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, spas and all those other luxuries as well as a fully equipped gym with personal trainers.

It is also the time when many people turn their thoughts to property in Cyprus.  That holiday home, or the thought of moving permanently to the sunshine, is very tempting.  You can almost taste the brandy sour you are drinking on the veranda of your Paphos villa.  And, it’s actually very easy to accomplish.  From one person who has made the move, don’t put it off until later, because there is so much to enjoy here and not much to miss.  This is home.

http://www.pafilia.org/

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